V.LEAGUE BOUND. National University's Mhicaela Belen against two Adamson University defenders during their match at the UAAP Season 85 on March 1, 2023. Belen will banner the Philippine squad in the SEA V.League women's series starting this weekend in Vietnam. (Photo courtesy of UAAP)
MANILA – A young team led by National University (NU) players Mhicaela Belen and Alyssa Solomon will represent the country in the Southeast Asia Volleyball League (V.League) women’s series to be held in Vinh Phuc, Vietnam on Aug. 4-6 and Chiang Mai, Thailand on Aug. 11-13.
Joining UAAP Season 84 Rookie-MVP Belen and Best Opposite Hitter Solomon in the Philippine team are NU teammates Camille Lamina., Shaira Jardio, Minierva Maaya, Evangeline Alinsug, Erin Pangilinan, Myrtle Escanlar and incoming rookies Arah Panique and Abegail Pono, Ateneo’s Roma Doromal and AC Miner, and University of the Philippines’ Niña Ytang and Kamille Cal.
“This is a young team and we are investing for the future of the federation’s national team program,” Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said on Monday, a day after Indonesia swept the two-leg men's competition in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
“We’re confident in the capability of these young stars seen as the future of Philippine volleyball. We have no doubts that they can carry our flag against the best in the region,” added Suzara, who was appointed secretary of the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment Commission last year.
Suzara and PNVF secretary-general Don Caringal got NU Chairman Hans Sy’s commitment to the Lady Bulldogs’ inclusion in the national team during the Men's Volleyball Nations League Week 3 held on July 4-9 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Brazilian Jorge Souza de Brito is the head coach of the team with Karl Dimaculangan and Norman Miguel as assistant coaches. Grace Gomez serves as therapist and trainer, while Fe Moran is the team manager. (PNA)
